Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 50: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Alfred de Rosann. 37 the Cadran Bleu for the benefit of the Cadran Rouge, that suspi- cion became changed into conviction, doubts gave way to damning proofs, and the unfortunate wretch was condemned to accompany Pierre Belle-Rose and others on a small excursion to Brest. Hitherto Champignon had not once opened his lips since the chain left the walls of Bicétre: he maintained a strict silence, and ap- peared to be engaged in deep thought. But his face did not wear a very melancholy aspect; neither did sighs,nor tears betray any extraordinary degree of feeling as to his present situation. It was, however, very evident that an important affair occupied his ima- gination ; for never did Newton, when reflecting upon the centri- petal and centrifugal properties of matter, appear more occupied by intense cogitation, than did Champignon at this moment. He seemed totally heedless of the weather, of his predicament, and of the presence of his companions. This uncommon taciturnity shortly attracted the attention of Belle-Rose. ‘¢ Messieurs,” said he, addressing those convicts who were near- est, ‘I dare swear this worthy gentleman, our honourable compa- nion in misfortune,” pointing to Champignon, ‘will enliven us with a song; for he is apparently a vastly entertaining fellow, if we may judge by his loquacity.” A loud and boisterous laugh at the ex-restaurateur’s expense fol- lowed this speech,—for the hyperbole, which represented his silence, particularly pleased the galley-slaves. ‘¢ What is his name ?” enquired Belle-Rose of a Gendarme, when the mirth he had excited was somewhat subsided. ‘‘ Champignon,” was the abrupt answer. ‘¢ Ah! who calls?’ exclaimed the object of the above interroga- tion, starting quickly from his meditative mood. ‘¢ Thine equal,” returned Belle-Rose, affecting solemnity. ‘‘ Thou may’st be mine equal in misfortune, but certainly not in trussing a fowl,” cried Champignon, peevishly. ‘¢ Sacre bleu! if it be not my old acquaintance of the Cadran Rouge!” ejaculated Belle-Rose, after a moment’s hesitation. cen what kitchen have we met? and what sauce have you in- vented ?” asked the gastronomer. ‘¢ Look me well in the face, my friend—and then recollect the gentleman who dined at your excellent house for a whole month, about two years ago, and who forgot to settle his little account ere his departure from Paris.” ‘¢ And who was so fond of my beefsteak with tomata sauce?” enquired Champignon eagerly. ‘‘ The same,” answered Belle-Rose. ‘¢ He always would have champagne frappé a la glace,* would he not ?” ‘¢ Precisely.” ‘¢ And thatindividual is yourself?” persisted Champignon eagerly. ‘¢ My own identical self.” . * Iced. COnicbooolks (GO)